Welcome to Behaviorbabe
Ethical Advocate for Accurate Application & Dissemination of Behavior Analysis

Welcome to Behaviorbabe

Ethical Advocate for Accurate Application & Dissemination of Behavior Analysis

Science and Sustainability

This page aims to bring science and sustainability together.  Our earth is changing.  We are impacting our environment.  The idea is that if we can make our world a worse place to live, we should also be able to make it a better place to be. 

"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change." Evolutionary Theory 

Podcasts: Sustainability & Behavior Analysis

In this episode, Dr. Julia Fiebig discusses her journey as a behavior analyst, a classical violinist, a songwriter, and climate change activist. She discusses the value of fluently learning the science of behavior analysis, emphasizing the benefit of being both creative and courageous. Julia shares the growth she has gained when she is willing to place herself in uncomfortable situations —whether that’s attending a conference where she’s the only behavior analyst or presenting to a room full of others outside of her profession; it can be daunting and difficult, but as Julia shows us, totally doable too. To contact Dr. Fiebig, e-mail jhfiebig@gmail.com.  Resources mentioned: https://contextualscience.org/ | https://beccconference.org/ | https://naaee.org/.
In this episode, Dyson Chee 17-year-old climate activist joins Dr. Kelly to discuss youth activism and advocacy. Dyson describes his love for the beach; snorkeling, bodyboarding, and having what he calls an overall “ocean connection”. Dyson describes how he became more formally involved in advocacy and public policy, relating to eliminating the use of single use plastics. He shares the experience he’s gaining and the lessons he’s learning, as well as the impact he is making! When asked if one person can make a difference, Dyson replied, “we’re all only one person; collectively we are a community”. Learn more about Dyson Chee and the great work he is doing by following @project_ocean_hawaii on Instagram and Facebook.

In this episode, Criss Wilhite joins Dr. Kelly and shares her journey into behavior analysis and its intersection with her “hippy” lifestyle practices. Criss also discusses the progression of the behavior analysis program at Fresno State and how sustainability has become an integral focus of the University. As a professor, Criss assigns self-management projects, which require students to increase and decrease behaviors related to creating a more sustainable lifestyle, while incorporating behavior analytic practices. To connect with Criss, email her at crissw@csufresno.edu. 

In this episode, Dr. Kelly is joined by Jay Cage, who describes her journey on the path to personal, sustainable behavior change. Jay emphasizes the role behavior analysis has played in helping her achieve personal change; offering examples and ideas for others along the way.
In this episode, Dr. Kelly looks at science and sustainability. Inspiring us to take what we know about behavior change to make the world a better place. 
In this episode, Dr. Kelly discusses the topics of sustainability and public policy with guest, Molly Benson. Molly chronicles her “competency-based adventures” and shares highlights from her journey. Interested in branching out and applying behavioral principles to other areas of need? Then this episode is for you. 

Publications: Sustainable Behavior Change

Chance, P., & Heward, W. L. (2010). Climate change: meeting the challenge. The Behavior analyst, 33(2), 197–206. doi:10.1007/bf03392219
Lehman, P.K., & Geller, E.S. (2004). Behavior analysis and environmental protection: accomplishments and potential for more. Behavior and Social Issues, 13 (1), 13-32.

Geller, E. S. (1991). Behavior analysis and environmental protection: Where have all the flowers gone?. ?, ?, ?, 269-273.

Special Interest Groups

Behavior Analysis for Sustainable Societies (BASS) is a special interest group (SIG) of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABA:I).  BASS is dedicated to discovering behavioral solutions to the problems concerning reducing pollution, promoting sustainable environments, and conserving resources.  BASS Website/Blog provides a wealth of information related to initiatives that others are undertaking as well as information about what you can do.  The BASS-SIG Facebook page provides readers with frequent discussion on hot issues.

Awards & Scholarships for Behavior Analysts

BABAT (Massachusetts) ehavior Change for a Sustainable World Research Award

To support research that uses behavior analysis concepts and principles to promote sustainable practices/environmentally friendly behavior change. To facilitate the establishment of a defined field of behavior analytic research with a primary goal of increasing understanding of human behavior as it relates to environmental preservation. To disseminate empirically demonstrated effective sustainable practices. To recognize BABAT members who propose or conduct behavior analytic research on sustainable environmental practices in the BABAT Newsletter The New England Behavior Analyst.
CSU (Cleveland State University) Behavior Change for a Sustainable World Research Award 

The CSU Behavior Change for a Sustainable World Research award is made possible by a generous donation from one of the world leaders in behavior analysis, Dr. Willliam Heward. The purpose of the award is to support student research using behavior analysis concepts and principles to promote sustainable practices/environmentally friendly behavior change. Any applied, basic, or translational study to be conducted as an undergraduate honors thesis, master's thesis, or doctoral dissertation with a primary goal of increasing understanding of human behavior and environmental preservation/enhancement is eligible for consideration. Click here to access the Behavior Change for a Sustainable World Student Research Award Application form.

FABA (Florida) Behavior Change for a Sustainable World Research Award


Purpose: To support research using behavior analysis concepts and principles to promote sustainable practices/environmentally friendly behavior change. Any applied, basic, or translational study with a primary goal of increasing understanding of human behavior and environmental preservation/enhancement is eligible for consideration.

HABA (Hawaii) Behavior Change for a Sustainable World Award


The purpose of the Sustainability Award is to support a HABA member in fostering an environment that promotes sustainable practices in Hawai'i. Applicants to be considered will plan to carry out activities designed to support or educate the community in living sustainably. This award was initiated by Dr. William Heward in 2016. 

William L. Heward Behaviour Change for a Sustainable World Award 

The William L. Heward Award was created by the Atlantic Provinces Association for Behaviour Analysis in order to increase awareness of the use of behavioural principles to promote change in human behaviours that have an impact on environmental challenges. The award will be given to a project or a study that applies concepts and principles of behaviour analysis to promote sustainable practices/environmentally friendly behaviour change. Any applied, basic or translational study with a primary goal of increasing understanding of human behaviour and environmental preservation/enhancement is eligible for consideration.